Fashion has always been a way for women to express themselves and their personal style, but there is a fine line between being fashionable and becoming a fashion victim. This term was coined by Oscar de la Renta to describe someone who couldn’t identify commonly recognized boundaries of style, and it’s a trap that many women fall into.
However, fashion should be fun, and there are ways to avoid becoming a fashion victim. As Giorgio Armani said, “When a woman alters her look too much from season to season,” it can be a sign that she’s not confident in her personal style.
So, how can you avoid becoming a fashion victim? It starts with being true to yourself. Possessing a great look is about feeling good in your own skin and wearing clothes that suit your personality and figure. Even if something is the latest trend, it may not be “you,” and that’s okay. Your personal style is ever-evolving, so focus on exploring and discovering your authentic style.
Another way to avoid being a fashion victim is to avoid outdated trends. While retro may look incredible on young people, it often looks dowdy and outdated on mature women. Instead, stick to current clothes that flatter your figure and show that you have a love for today’s fashion.
Building a solid foundation of wardrobe basics is also crucial. These pieces are the building blocks that create a stylish wardrobe and a presence that will portray the image you wish to show the world. So focus on nailing these foundation garments in classic styles and high-quality materials that will last you for years.
Price is not everything. Regardless of the designer’s name on the label, it’s not worth it if the style doesn’t suit you or the color is unflattering. On the other hand, please don’t fall into the trap of conspicuous consumption, as it can raise questions about your sensibilities and priorities.
Be mindful of wearing too much of anything, and keep statement or trend pieces to one or two per outfit. You want to be seen as something other than a try-hard. Avoid buying garments that don’t go with anything just because they’re “in.”
Lastly, be mindful of your age limitations. Dress for your age, not the age you want to be. There are many trends that can easily be adapted to different ages, but some should be left to the young. Dressing your age means feeling comfortable in your own skin and working with what you’ve got. So, enjoy fashion, but do it on your own terms and in a way that reflects who you are.
